Arthur Brown aiming for starting job as Ravens start workouts

Posted by Josh Alper on April 21, 2014, 10:54 AM EST

AP

When the Ravens made Arthur Brown a second-round pick last season, there were some that thought he’d step right into a starting role at inside linebacker with Ray Lewis and Dannell Ellerbe both leaving the team after winning the Super Bowl.

Baltimore signed Daryl Smith, though, and Jameel McClain got the majority of the starts alongside him as Brown came off the bench in passing situations. His coverage skills served him fairly well in that role, but there’s an opening for Brown to start and play all three downs with McClain now a member of the Giants. Brown plans to do what he can to grab it.

“It’s an honor to even be considered and compete for that spot,” Brown said, via the Baltimore Sun. “I’m looking forward to it. Some strengths to my game are my explosiveness, my speed and being a sideline-to-sideline defender that has a high motor and has great instincts to the ball. I take that into account and play to my strengths and work on the other levels of my game to make me the complete package as a player. That’s what I’m working on. Last year, was a stepping stone for me and a lot of the other rookies to learn and gain from our experiences. I’m looking forward to making a greater impact and a greater contribution this year.”

The Ravens haven’t closed the door on other options at the position. Rolando McClain has been reinstated from the retired list and the team met with Alabama’s C.J. Mosley recently, but Brown was drafted last year in hopes that he’d move into a leading role for the defense. He’s gained some weight ahead of what should be an extended chance to show he’s the man for the job this spring and summer.